Niagara trips up in the Atlantic playoffs. I'm hearing they have an at-large shot but I don't know how much I believe it coming from such a weak conference. It was nice to see Chubak get a Hobey Baker nomination, though. Hopefully Canisius pulls it out in the final. Would love to see Conacher's old program get some tournament time.

Kings' scoring is drying up as they're about to head out on a road trip against some decent teams. I could see them taking a tumble down the tightly packed standings. You'd have to think they're a good candidate to do well in the condensed final push, though, should it come to that.

So much skill on this Vanek - Ennis - Leino line, and they all know how to use their various bodies. It's an interesting group, but obviously is going to have its issues with consistency and fanciness.

Currently flipping between:

Sabres - Habs
Leafs - Bruins
AHA Final
WCHA Final
Hockey East Final
ECAC Final

At this point, where would you rather go if you were undrafted? Sure, it helps if you're ~5'9 (Marty, Conacher, now Tyler Johnson), but they have been doing well with those. Sustr already signed there, too.

I don't know too well what Eric Brewer is offering these days, but Tampa probably isn't taking too many minutes away from Hedman, Carle, and Salo. Who knows how long you can rely on Sami, though. Immediate playing time on a team like Tampa would likely last for, what, 15 games this year? I have no idea what he's looking for. I'd still guess Detroit.

Detroit technically has 9 defenders signed right now, though Quincey is out for a while with a broken cheekbone and Huskins could be waived as soon as 5 minutes from now. Colaiacovo is nearing a return from injury.

Yeah, I'd like to think Detroit could still offer him an opportunity. Ian White could be dealt.

Univeristy of Buffalo really needs to get a team. Biggest school in a hockey hotbed, already D1 in the big sports. Enrollment almost reaches 30,000, very little reason that they couldn't transcend what Canisius and Niagara are with some time.

The team is in win now mode. They aren't rebuilding. Obviously I would have liked to trade Morrow for Iginla, but Brenden will help more than Joe will this season. I'm OK with this trade due to the fact the Pens probably have the deepest crop of D prospects in the league.

The team is in win now mode. They aren't rebuilding. Obviously I would have liked to trade Morrow for Iginla, but Brenden will help more than Joe will this season. I'm OK with this trade due to the fact the Pens probably have the deepest crop of D prospects in the league.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth Criminal

I'd say its giving up a lot, but it makes the team better this year. Moves like this have to be made to get a shot at the cup. Just gotta hope it pays off and you know which of your prospects to deal.

Very fair viewpoints. Pittsburgh is easily one of the favorites this year and have trash up front outside of 6 guys. Build up a strength in the system and use it to your advantage. Not every trade can get you Neal+Niskanen. Morrow has not been that good for a while, but you still take the chance. I can see his player value being as good as someone like Zubrus but with a better ability to pot them to go with better leadership, so that seems like a fine add for Pittsburgh.